6. Cardiovascular issues

According to multiple studies, the things anxiety does to your body include cardiovascular issues. That’s because your body’s response to perceived danger is to increase your blood pressure and heart rate to help you flee the dangerous situation or fight the danger. As we’ve mentioned before, this is part of the flight or fight response.

Over time, chronic anxiety leads to chronic high blood pressure and chronic tachycardia. If these conditions are left untreated, there’s a higher risk of serious cardiac events, such as strokes and heart attacks.

The good news is that both heart issues and anxiety are treatable. Whether you’re under treatment or not, it’s important to manage and, if possible, reduce anxiety to lower your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Other lifestyle modifications that can help prevent things anxiety does to your body include managing stress, eating well-rounded meals, and practicing good sleep hygiene.